Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at his Abuja residence in an effort to reconcile amid their ongoing political rift, Premium Times reports.
The visit reportedly took place on Friday, April 18, shortly after Fubara met with President Bola Tinubu in London to discuss the crisis that has engulfed Rivers State. The conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, led to a declared state of emergency in the state and the six-month suspension of Fubara and several other elected officials.
Sources said Fubara was accompanied by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former governor Olusegun Osoba. According to one insider, Fubara prostrated before Wike during the meeting, referring to him as “My Oga” in a show of deference. The discussions reportedly continued into the early hours of Saturday, April 19.
While Wike’s spokesperson confirmed the meeting, he declined to reveal details. Fubara’s media aides either declined comment or were unreachable.
The fallout between Fubara and Wike began just months after Fubara took office. Their dispute split the Rivers State House of Assembly into two factions—27 lawmakers aligned with Wike, and a smaller group of three loyal to Fubara. The governor had backed the three-member group, claiming the others lost their seats after defecting from the PDP to the APC.
However, a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, overturned Fubara’s position, reinstating the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers and suspending federal funding to the state. The court also nullified local government elections organized by Fubara’s administration.
On March 14, the Assembly served Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, with a notice of misconduct, initiating a possible impeachment process. The charges included financial mismanagement, illegal appointments, and obstructing legislative duties. Odu was also accused of endorsing unauthorized appointments.
Fubara later complied with the court’s rulings, including the removal of local council chairpersons. His actions were viewed by some as an attempt to ease tensions. Nonetheless, the imposition of emergency rule and suspension of elected officials has sparked widespread criticism from the public and civil society groups.